gotta love the "experts" like Phil Steele. He writes this about Northwestern...
Last year the Wildcats were just 5 minutes and 3 seconds away from going unbeaten as they led in the fourth quarter of all 13 of their games. They still finished with 10 wins (most s/?95) and finally broke their long bowl drought (s/?48) with an impressive win over Mississippi St in the Gator Bowl. This year they return 15 starters including their top 2 quarterbacks, top 3 rushers and top 3 receivers. The schedule does get more difficult as each of the last two years they have avoided Ohio St and Wisconsin from the Leaders division but this year they draw both the Buckeyes and Badgers.
okay, so if they were able to squeak through a easy schedule, how can you possibly have them finishing above us when they have what could be two additional sure losses?
No. 17 Nebraska-The Huskers have been consistent under Bo Pelini as they have won at least 9 games each of his five seasons but have also lost four games each of those years as well. This year could be the year they finally break thru as they return 8 starters on offense including quarterback Taylor Martinez who returns for his 4th-year as the starter. The Achilles Heel for the Huskers last year was a defense that allowed 27.6 ppg and they return just 4 starters on that side of the ball this year. However, their schedule is manageable as they avoid Ohio St and Wisconsin from the Leaders division and also play their first five games at home.
...but their defense will suck again, and Martinez hasn't exactly been able to carry that team. if they are consistent, they'll drop 3-4 games, and if none of those are OOC, that means they'll finish with 3-4 conference losses.
AND... MSU isn't even in his top 26.
compare that to our report...
No. 19 Michigan-Coming off an 11-win season highlighted by a Sugar Bowl win in Brady Hoke?s first year, expectations were high for the Wolverines in 2012 and while they disappointed to an 8-5 finish, they did lose 4 games to Top 10 teams (Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio St and South Carolina) which all took place away from home. This year there is no Alabama on the schedule in non-conference play and they also get Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio St all at home. They do return 12 starters, which is their fewest since 2008, but Brady Hoke has done very well stockpiling the talent including bringing in my #5 Frosh class this year.
Like... we "disappointed" to an 8-5 finish, but 4 of the losses were to top 10 opponents, and 3 of those came down to the wire. and we don't play 2 of those opponents, and we get the other two at home. and while our team is young, our coach is bringing in much better talent than his predecessor did, and developing it better. and we have a good defense. and nobody in our division is better.
So what's the logical result of all that?
4th place in the division; 6th overall.
way to use that Supercomputer, Phil.
